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by voakbasda 1062 days ago
Are you using permethrin as a bug spray on your clothing? I use it here on livestock and had not considered using it on myself, but I am intrigued given how effective it is for the animals. Gunna go read the label again, but I would wager that using it this way will be an off-label use.
3 comments

Just seeing this now - as other posters have stated, I use the low concentration clothing treatment, the Sawyer brand specifically. It works very well and even seems to last for the time period advertised on the label (6 weeks I think).
Permethrin is not uncommon as a fabric treatment. You soak (and then dry) your clothes in it and it provides lasting protection through a few dozen washes.
Do you mean picaridin?
I am talking about permethrin, but maybe the GP made a typo?

Here is the product that I use on my livestock:

https://nrsworld.com/products/durvet-permethrin-10-concentra...

You and GP are probably referring to the same thing. Hikers sometimes use permethrin is on clothing, not on their bodies. No clue if what you linked would be appropriate on clothes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permethrin#Insect_repellent

Permethrin applications last multiple washings; this is also why its use can be problematic environmentally, it sticks around a long time and can hurt aquatic life. I stick to DEET on my hikes, on account of it being less damaging environmentally, but I also don't live in an especially bad area for ticks.

No, they're different compounds. Permethrin is an insecticide, picaridin also know as icaridin, is an unrelated compound that's just a repellent.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icaridin

Permethrin for treating clothes (apply thinly and let dry for 12 hours) is usually 0.5% strength, not the 10%+ used for livestock.